"We strongly condemnNorth Korea’s most recent threats of a preemptive nuclear strike and the cancelling of the Non‑Aggression Pact withSeoul.I strongly urgeNorth Korea’s leadership not to further exacerbate the situation in the region through irresponsible sabre-rattling.North Korea’s bellicose rhetoric must stop.North Koreamust immediately cease its tests of missiles and nuclear weapons in accordance with international law.With its policy of provocation and bellicose rhetoric, the leadership inPyongyangis only driving the country further into international isolation. This international isolation increases the poverty of the population ofNorth Korea. The policies ofNorth Korea’s leadership are thus directed first and foremost against its own people.With the new sanctions againstNorth Korea, the United Nations Security Council has sent an unambiguous message: the international community will not acceptPyongyang’s policy of nuclear blackmail.It is also nowBeijing’s responsibility to make it clear to the rulers inPyongyangthat they have gone too far with these new threats and provocations. I welcome the fact thatChinahas assumed its special responsibility in the United Nations Security Council inNew York. I hope thatChinawill use its influence inPyongyangto end the sabre-rattling, bellicose rhetoric, provocations and violations of international law.On the sidelines of the External Relations Council inBrusselson Monday, we will discuss with our colleagues from the European Union about how we Europeans can do our part to keep the pressure on the regime inNorth Koreaand how to increase the pressure further in response to the most recent escalation and bellicose rhetoric."

Peace and Security

Regional conflicts, fragile or collapsed states, armed conflicts, terrorism and organized crime – all have grave consequences for the people who suffer under them. They also threaten the security and stability of entire regions and peoples.